March 1, 2023
Piper's (Queen of Teeth) latest takes listeners to a world where gods and sea monsters exist alongside neon-lit streets and shadowy alleys. The gods who once protected and guided the world that Lilac Antonis calls home have departed, leaving her and the other citizens of Valentine to face the coming of rains and sea monsters without a shred of divine intervention. Lilac has even resorted to blood sacrifices to try and bring the gods back, earning her the title Valentine Butcher. Investigators Cecil and Alex are out to stop the Butcher's ritual killings, but the city is also threatened by the hard rains from above and the monstrous Glories below. Piper once again displays her skills at genre-blending, throwing elements of mystery, modern noir, alternate history, and complex mythologies into a mixer and creating a concoction uniquely her own. Jodie Harris's narration brings to life distinct voices for gods, mere mortals, and everyone in between. VERDICT Piper's world has a deep backstory to wade through, but the thriller elements, plus the drama of multiple encroaching disasters, keep the novel sailing to a thought-provoking and satisfying conclusion.--James Gardner
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